Golden Lodge News October 2009

Volume 56, No. 9

October 2009

Union working for common ground with the Company Joe Hoagland President

As I write this column, it is two weeks beyond the expiration date of our Basic Labor Agreement. I hope that by the time you read this, we will have a tentative agreement on a new contract. If and/or when that happens, there will be some changes. As your president, and as a member of the bargaining committee, I will make every effort to prepare a contract summary that not only gives you all of the information that you need to decide, but also is sent to you with enough time to make that decision. Your negotiating team has worked diligently, and will continue to do so, to find some common ground with the Company that allows us to move forward for the next several years. We have wrestled with many issues, both collectively, and certainly individually. Our goal is to present a new agreement that fulfills

every member’s needs. As unrealistic as that may seem - that is what we set out to do. I know those of you that are working do so under some difficult circumstances: from supervisors training and operating, to so-called salary operatives (Salary Company Associate = BS) from non-union facilities sharing the shop floor. Your patience with these situations and your professionalism speak volumes about your integrity in some very tense times. When work is slow, there is always a crackdown on rule violations. When times are good, the Company is happy to see you put quality product out the door, al-

most any way that you can. Couple lack of work with a contract deadline, and beyond, and everything is magnified. So, continue to produce the quality that keeps our products in demand, and do so in a safe manner. And remember to, “Say a good word about your union!”

Still waiting for TAA At the present time there still has been no determination on our petition for Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA). I have been informed that enhancements in benefits provided (before we applied) have made it advantageous for many groups to re-apply. This has caused delays beyond the typical 40 days to receive a determination. We will keep you posted.

Problems getting you down?

‘Let’s talk about it.’ Call Golden Lodge for help

(330) 454-6137 If you have a drug or alcohol problem, family troubles, financial difficulties, or some other situation that is causing problems in your life, there is help available. Call Golden Lodge at (330) 454-6137. Leave a message and a member of the Community Services Committee will contact you in strict confidence.

Labor Media Project renewed at ILCA Pittsburgh convention By Chris Tunney Associate Editor A late summer biennial convention was held recently for the International Labor Communications Association in Pittsburgh, PA., September 10-12. At the last conference, in New Orleans in October, 2007, the ILCA set up a Labor Media Center and held training sessions with nearly 100 union journalists in the latest communications technologies. Armed with local union contacts, the reporters recorded stories of workers and unions in the post-Katrina era. The stories are posted on a new website: www.neworleanslabormedia.org.

This resulted in a powerfully presented, living archive of working people’s experiences after the hurricane. This year, we renewed the Labor Media Project that was started two years ago, and sought out stories about local workers’ struggles, the decline of manufacturing caused by globalization, and how workers, through their unions, are organizing to defend themselves. In a statement by ILCA President Steve Stallone and SecretaryTreasurer Michael Kuchta, they said that by collaborating in a newsroom on a project like this can’t help but make us better journalists. While we build our individ-

GOLDEN LODGE NEWS GOLDEN LODGE NEWS STAFF Tom Sponhour, Editor Joe Hoagland, Managing Editor Ron Roberts, Associate Editor Chris Tunney, Associate Editor

LOCAL 1123 OFFICERS Joe Hoagland, President Paul Muller, Vice President Pat Eslich, Recording Secretary Joey Shearer, Financial Secretary Kathy Boyd, Treasurer James Schweitzer, Trustee Susie Camper, Trustee Keith Strobelt, Trustee Paul McKenzie, Guide Bill Webler, Outside Guard Bob Seward, Inside Guard Published monthly, except July, by the United Steelworkers, Golden Lodge Local 1123, AFL-CIO, in the interest of its members and to further the aims and programs of the Union. USW Local 1123 represents bargaining unit workers at the Canton, Gambrinus, and Faircrest plants of The Timken Company. USW Golden Lodge Local 1123 1234 Harrison Ave. S.W. Canton, OH 44706 (330) 454-6137 Fax (330) 454-3461 Email - [email protected]

ual skills, we will also be building the power of labor journalism, thereby demonstrating how necessary it is to invest in labor communications. Each morning’s plenary began with keynote speakers, starting with USW International President Leo Gerard, Thursday, to prominent local leaders and politicians, Friday, sharing their concerns, visions, and successes.

ILCA team leader Randy Lyman, Patricia Bauer and Gary Schoichet, walk through part of the “bore to the shore” project in the central business district in Pittsburgh. The project stretches 1.2 miles in length and is 22 feet under the bottom of the Allegheny river bed for a light-rail line. The twin 21 foot diameter connectors will be completed in December, 2011. This confirms the old adage, there is light at the end of the tunnel!

2

Inspiring the attentive crowd to continue our important work, we eagerly attended the many workshops provided. Having selected our topics and teams the first morning, we then set out on various projects all around October 2009

the Pittsburgh area to report on the issues confronting not just Allegheny County residents, but that these themes will resonate in cities across the nation. President Gerard spoke, graciously thanking the labor journalists for their compassionate, dedicated, and important work on the front lines every day. He encouraged and challenged each of us to think big. Ask ourselves, what kind of society can we build? What is our responsibility to our children? Noting that there are laws protecting a Britney Spears album, but there are not any laws protecting a 12 year old child from being forced to work 14 hour days in today’s world. He said the current economic rebound is a “jobless recovery,” and that we need to reform Wall Street. In fact, 38 states should file bankruptcy if they had to abide by the same rules as corporations. Also in his remarks, were economic facts, including the accumulated trade debt for our nation since 1994 is $6.5 trillion dollars. Reminding us how much a billion

really is, which he illustrated as this: • A billion seconds ago it was 1959. • A billion minutes ago Jesus was alive. • A billion hours ago our ancestors were living in the caves. We have become the world’s largest debtor nation, in fact, accumulating more debt than all of the G-20 countries that attended the conference this month. “China’s going shopping,” President Gerard added, “buying assets in the USA.” China will have the largest car industry. They have the lead in renewable energy; even Boeing is moving there, because that is where the future is. We don’t have anything against the Chinese people, just the system. Sadly, workers are thrown in jail for trying to form independent unions. In closing, he motivated us to pressure our elected officials to pass meaningful healthcare reform. To view the work accomplished this year at Pittsburgh’s ILCA convention, the website is: http://ilcaonline.org/2009-convention We have only just begun.

Richard Trumka elected to top AFL-CIO post One-time coal miner Richard Trumka, secretary-treasurer of the AFL-CIO since 1995, was elected its president at the union federation’s September convention. A powerful speaker and strong personality, he promised a more aggressive style than his predecessor, John Sweeney, and pledged to reach out to younger workers. “We need a unionism that makes sense to the next generation - young women and men who either don’t have the money to go to college or are almost penniless by the time they come out,” Trumka told hundreds of cheering delegates. He said he would meet headon the challenge of rebuilding a labor movement that once represented 35 percent of American workers but is down to just 12.4 percent today. He told delegates that the labor movement would lead the nation out of its economic mess, where millions work as temps, contractors, and home workers for low wages, no health care and no job

Races celebrate 53rd wedding anniversary Ronald and Barbara Race will celebrate their 53rd wedding anniversary on November 26.

These are the happy champions of the Golden Lodge Thursday Morning Golf League, Gary Walker, left and Terry Medley.

October 2009

Ronald retired from Department 755 at the Gambrinus Steel Plant in 1989 after 30 years of service. Congratulations! 3

Member Spotlight

knowledgeable estimate, right now that very car is valued over $500.

The ‘Toy Story’ of Mike Widmer

In his stable of top-notch cars, he has a set that he bought in the year 2000 which includes a car, the trailer, and an SUV; all for 75 bucks. He shared with me that this ensemble, still pristine and in the original box, is worth well over $1,000 today. (By the way, Mike told me that he has two of these sets)

By Kathy Boyd It may be a sleek boat, an amateur ham radio setup, or perhaps a unique gun collection. Whatever the category, it is known that as a general rule, men tend to take pride in their “toys”. Mike Widmer is certainly no exception in that area. Even though this major interest of his actually resembles a toy, these items are certainly nothing to play with. Prior to being laid off in April of this year, Mike worked as a Tender in the thermal treat department at Gambrinus Steel. Joining Golden Lodge over four years ago, he is looking forward to getting back to work soon. He believes that our unity is our strength and our protection. “Because of it”, says Mike, “we have reaped many benefits.” As an example, he referenced our better paying jobs.

Mike told me that his ideal driver just happens to be Tony Stewart. I asked why he was favored, and Mike stated that, “Stewart is a rebel and not a country boy”. These cars that Mike collects range in scale from 1/18th to 1/ 24th of the dimensions of a life-size car. The prices can be reasonable; some start at only five dollars, but others can cost a pretty penny. It isn’t unheard of to pay upward to $200 for a model. Over time, depending on the make, model, and condition of each car, the value can certainly rise. For instance, Mike bought a model of the “Elvis” bicentennial car of which “Junior” drove on the track. (As in Dale Earnhardt Jr.) The original price of this car cost him $125. According to Mike’s

Boasting an accumulation of over 500 cars, the origins of this extensive collection began when Mike was just a teen. Twenty- two years later, he is still passionate as ever about his collection. Chris Widmer, who is Mike’s wife of 11 years, supports him all the way in his enjoyment of collecting. He truly appreciates that she is totally cool with it. The Widmer boys, Jacob (8) and Nick (5), wish these die cast cars were toys! They would love to play with them, but as you can

As you can tell by the photo, the hobby that Mike enjoys involves model cars. Not just any type of car, but replicas of the actual vehicles that are driven in the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) circuit. Unless you’ve been sheltered in some way, you more than likely have heard of the household names associated with NASCAR. Names like Jeff Gordon, Michael Waltrip, Richard Petty (who has retired and happens to be my personal favorite) as well as the legendary late Dale Earnhardt Sr. (#3) 4

Mike Widmer and his son, Nick, 5, shows two of his cars from his extensive NASCAR collection. Mike, a member of Golden Lodge for over four years, is laid off from the Gambrinus Steel Plant.

October 2009

perceive, these are quite valuable and Dad can’t allow that. (well….. maybe once in a while, right Dad?) During this unemployment hiatus, Mike is keeping himself very busy. He decided early on to take the optimistic approach to the situation. In other words, he has taken lemons and made lemonade! The extra time has given him the opportunity to spend more quality hours with his family, which is an absolute plus. He told me that he is definitely holding his head up high and will deal with the hand dealt to him! Sort of sounds like he is a rebel too; just like his favorite driver. The best of luck to you Mike…. here’s hoping that you and all of our laid-off union brothers and sisters return to work real soon!

Recent Retirees Johnny B. Blackstone, II Roger L. Blankenship Robert A. Brown Randy L. Campbell Gary L. Dancy Willard E. Gates Edward E. Glaser Steve D. Gleason, Jr. Mark Goodson Robert L. Habony Darlene M. Hastings David G. McKenzie Tom P. Miller Martha A. Mills George A. Motz Rex E. Shaner Gary H. Shreve Terry W. Staub Randal P. Suarez James J. Vaccaro Roy M. Ward Thomas F. Wilkinson October 2009

Unions continue battle for health care reform Unions continued their battle in September for meaningful health care reform in America, trying to put some backbone in politicians who are being swayed by the huge corporate campaign donations and conservative talk radio-driven “town hall” protests. More than 47 million Americans are without health insurance today and those who have it, including union members, are being threatened by soaring premiums and co-pays that are resulting in higher and higher costs for care. The for-profit health care industry and their conservative supporters in Congress spent the summer spreading absurd stories of how the Obama health agenda calls for measures such as “Death Panels” that would pull the plug on elderly patients. A plan to create a government-run health plan for those who want an alternative to private insurers – an option users could accept or reject – was labeled Socialist and even Communist by opponents. The public option, as it is called, is seen as key to reform of a seriously broken system. Speaking at the AFL-CIO convention in Pittsburgh, newly-elected federation President Richard Trumka said: “We’ve all heard those who’ve said that we ought to be satisfied with a health care reform plan that doesn’t include a public option. They seem to think that we ought to settle for whatever bill a few Republicans will sign onto, declare it a victory and go home. “ What they need to learn,” Trumka said, “is that there’s a difference between declaring a victory and actually winning one. And they need to learn something else, too: a plan without a public option may be a lot of things, but it sure as hell isn’t reform.”

5

SOAR NOTES By Jim Reed We had two excellent speakers this month. Andi Michelson, a home healthcare aid, spoke about a program she is starting. She feels that there are people who don’t want to go into assisted living, but stay in their own home, but need assistance. She feels that there are also people such as college students, people with minimum wage jobs that are hurting financially, that could use extra income, and also a place to live. Mrs. Michelson has developed a web site: www.abidewithme.us. Their Mission Statement: “To provide an online forum for people to self-publish their needs for housing or assistance: to bring together people who can mutually benefit from one another’s aid, support and situation; and to enable the elderly and disabled to remain in their own homes by locating live-in help.” Participants post their needs for free, and view other listings for free. Each party pays a small fee when agreeing to correspond with each other. THE CANDY MAN Larry Anastis, co-owner of Anastasiades Chocolate Shop in North Canton was our other guest speaker. He not only talked about making chocolate candy, but brought samples for everyone. He and his brother, Sam, have been in business since 1984. 6

I.W. Abel Chapter 1/27

He stated that chocolate comes from the cocoa bean which grows 20 degrees on either side of the Equator. 45 percent of the cocoa bean is grown in West Africa. Some cocoa beans are also grown in Hawaii. Their shop is located at 6656 Wise Avenue, North Canton, and I must say, the chocolate is excellent! Those celebrating birthdays in September: Joyce Passalaqua; Mary Robinson, 39; Susan Bennett, Phyllis Gooding, Cecelia Williams and Katrina Carroll. Guest: Charles Dively NOVEMBER LUNCHEON Swiss Steak Red Skin Potatoes Peas Jello salad Cake

The following members of Golden Lodge have passed away and Bibles have been presented to their families. HENRY H. LEWIS, 88, Dept. 86, 1424 Second Street, N. E., Canton, passed away May 2, 2009. Brother Lewis joined the Union in 1952 and retired in 1987. ESTHER M. DUNN, 87, Dept. 82, 1901 Bedford Avenue, S. W., Canton, passed away September 3, 2009. Sister Dunn joined the Union in 1970 and retired in 1984. FLOYD R. BAER, 82, Dept. 136, passed away September 14, 2009. Brother Baer joined the Union in 1952 and retired in 1982. LUTHER E. BYRD, 105, Dept. 60, passed away September 21, 2009. Brother Byrd joined the Union in 1961 and retired in 1969. DEXTER R. CASTO, 82, Dept. 63, 6680 Maplehurst, S. E., East Sparta, passed away September 26, 2009. Brother Casto joined the Union in 1952 and retired in 1988. WILLIAM F. PALMER, 82, Dept. 75, 672 Ladyne Avenue, Bolivar, passed away September 29, 2009. Brother Palmer joined the Union in 1966 and retired in 1987.

William Smith endorsed for Canton City School Board September 2 Meeting Gary Huprich *Susie Camper *Harold Pyle *Joyce Lawther **Kelly Murphy

A former member of Golden Lodge, William Smith, has been endorsed for the a Canton City School Board position in the November 3 election by the Hall of Fame Central Labor Council .

September 16 Meeting Chuck Morris *Andy Schneider *Bill Shackle, Jr. *Rick Metzgar *Michael Kemp

Smith has attended Akron University, Kent State, and is a graduate of the National Guard NCO Academy and has served as a Precinct Committeeperson for 14 years.

*Donated to Rick Riffle **Donated to the USO

Bill worked as a Tool Grinder from 1960 till 1972. October 2009

Casino gaming also would allow the Buckeye State to become competitive with its neighboring states. Currently, Ohioans spend over $1 billion annually in gaming at neighboring states.

Yes on State Issue 3 casino ballot proposal provides guaranteed revenue and jobs for Ohio Ohio voters have the opportunity to approve a constitutional amendment, State Issue 3, this fall that would bring thousands of new jobs to the state and millions of dollars in guaranteed tax revenues.

“When enacted, this casino proposal will bring a much-needed major private investment infusion into Ohio’s struggling economy,” said Ohio AFL-CIO President Joe Rugola.

The Ohio AFL-CIO and the Ohio State Building and Construction Trades Council have endorsed State Issue 3, the casino ballot proposal.

One key component is that the plan mandates that casino developers and operators make a minimum investment of $250 million in each of the four casino destinations for a total required investment of $1 billion.

State Issue 3 calls for the construction of one full-service, firstclass casino each in Cleveland, Cincinnati, Columbus and Toledo, will be on the Nov. 3 ballot.

34,000 new jobs Here’s what it would mean for the state: $1 billion in required new private investment, $200 million in licensing fees, $651 million annually in tax revenue shared by all 88 counties and an estimated 34,000 new jobs, including the creation of nearly 19,000 jobs during the initial investment and construction phase of the casino development, which would begin in 2010. October 2009

It also imposes a permanent, guaranteed 33 percent tax on gross casino revenue, generating an estimated $651 million in casino tax revenues each year, with 85 percent of the money targeted for all 88 counties, the eight largest cities and every school district in Ohio. The plan also contributes money to the Ohio State Racing Commission to help revitalize the horse racing industry in Ohio and to fund operations of the Ohio Casino Control Commission.

“The time is right for Ohioans to embrace a responsible gaming proposal. This initiative will keep our gaming dollars in-state, create thousands of good jobs and generate billions in tax revenues,” said Dan Sciury, president of the Hall of Fame Central Labor Council. Primary backers of the proposal and funders of the OJG campaign are: · Dan Gilbert, through his Rock Ventures partnership. Gilbert is majority owner of the NBA Cleveland Cavaliers and operator of the Quicken Loans Arena in downtown Cleveland, as well as Chairman and Founder of Quicken Loans. · Penn National Gaming, Inc., a prominent operator of gaming facilities and horse racing tracks, including Raceway Park in Toledo. We need good jobs and business investment. We ask for your support in voting YES on State Issue 3. More information on the Ohio Jobs and Growth Plan is available at www.yesonissue3.com/

Please support the United Way of Greater Stark County 7

A cabinet civil position was created in August to address the rising concern of veteran issues in Ohio. In August, Ohio ranked 47th in its ability to connect to veterans. When the position was created, there were only 4,000 names and addresses on file. Now, 283,000 are on file, but Ohio has 930,000 or more (estimated) veterans. They plan to have all of us on file by 2013. There is a national certification being sought that will register all military personnel at entry. Although all the privacy issues need to be satisfied and “need to know” certified. Other issues talked about were veteran benefits. One in ten vets never seek help for health, educa8

There is also legislation on the Statehouse floor to allow a bonus for Gulf War veterans. This is the same program that the Vietnam veterans received, only with an allowance for inflation now. This should be on the ballot for November. There will be a flier at the union hall for information about the bonus and some resource guides for veterans and active military personnel. To place yourself “in the program” that the state is trying to set up to find out where the vets are and how we are doing, call 1-877OHIO-VET to identify yourself and a veteran service officer (VSO) will answer to register you. Any questions? Call the union hall and leave me a message, and I’ll get back to you. See you November 14.

PERMIT NO. 973

U.S. POSTAGE PAID

CANTON, OH ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

On September 14, I was able to attend a Veterans’ Conference in Columbus, hosted by the Ohio Attorney General, Richard Cordray.

Identity problems will be tightened and greater security on information available to predatory scammers. More help will be available for mobilized families. The state saved 12 homes of deployed members last year.

_________________________________

Watch for the fliers. This has been a popular event for our veterans, and we will look for you!

Canton, OH 44706

If you would like to volunteer to serve for this event, be at the union hall before the breakfast, and our kitchen commander, Andy Schneider, will put you to work.

NON-PROFIT ORG.

The Veterans’ Breakfast for this year will be November 14, from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Opening ceremonies will take place prior to serving.

tion, job, etc. Did you know a veteran has medical benefits for two years after discharge? Legislation is being formulated that will allow a local vet organization increased allotments from Bingo. In education, scholarships and grants will be held for the vet if deployed while in school. Informal dispute resolution will take priority for the veteran. There are 30,000 dispute claims yearly.

1234 Harrison Ave. SW

By Larry Yates Veterans Committee

Steelworkers Local 1123, Golden Lodge

Veterans’ Breakfast set for Saturday, November 14

Veterans’ Day Breakfast Saturday, Nov. 14, 2009 8:00 am - 11:00 a.m. at Golden Lodge All veterans and spouses are welcome! Feel free to bring photos, memorabilia, etc. to share. For more information call:

330-454-6137 October 2009